Best time of year to prune large red maple tree - Ask Extension
When is the best time of year to prune a large red maple tree?
Knowledgebase
Best time of year to prune large red maple tree #924451
Asked February 11, 2026, 11:05 AM EST
When is the best time of year to prune a large red maple tree?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Maples tend to "bleed" excess sap if pruned at certain times of year, so to avoid this, it's recommended that they only be trimmed around the time new foliage is finished expanding and new growth is maturing and just after leaf drop in autumn and the onset of dormancy. According to the Virginia Tech tree pruning calendar, these windows fall around May through July and November-December, respectively. If you are able, before having an established tree pruned, consult a certified arborist or licensed tree expert who can evaluate the tree's overall health and condition to determine what to remove and when.
Miri
Miri
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